Steve Drain RIP

Sad to hear the news of his passing. He provided the code that I used to create the beautiful Reuleaux Triangles on my “RISC OS BASIC Graphic Programming” site. All I did was to animate them. He will indeed be missed.

I have been trying to find the right words to express my deep sadness at this grim event.

Steve and I were friends for over twenty years. The last email before this Christmas. The first before this Century.

Steve was more than an acquaintance or engineering friend though, he was an ally. A fellow traveller. A brother in ARMs. When I wrote just days ago that this Operating System was now so old that its proponents were “literally dying” it was in anticipation – not knowledge – of Steve’s passing. Expectation does not make it easier to bear.

I have returned to those archived emails. Detailed discussions, analysis, Basic brainstorming (with occasional interjections from Sophie). Eye-rolling at whatever they had just said (very many theys over the years). There are few people I respected more.

A library has burnt down. I feel a great loss.

I would say “welcome back, old friend” (given several posts from you in Recent Posts), but…

A library has burnt down. I feel a great loss.

…so very much this.

I have been informed by Steve’s wife that his funeral and memorial gathering will be on Monday afternoon, 30th January near Exeter. Any members of the RISC OS Community who knew Steve are welcome to attend, but please contact me for details at firstname at avisoft#f9#co#uk (converting obvious address!) as Sue would like to know numbers.

WROOC are wanting to put some tribute articles / comments relating to the late Steve Drain in “The WROCC” newsletter. This could maybe includes reviews of his software, etc.. If anyone wishes to contribute something could they send it ASAP to info2023@wrocc.org.uk

Many thanks in advance for any contributions.

Just a shame I didn’t finish my ray casting stuff earlier. I have a suspicion he’d have already sent an email explaining the maths I didn’t get in simple terms, and providing numerous optimisation tips along the way.
He was helpful like that.
Still can’t get my head around him no longer being around.
😭